Philippe de Commynes

Philippe de Commynes (1447 – 1511) was a writer and diplomat in the courts of Burgundy and France. He is best known for his memoirs, which have been considered an invaluable resource for historians of the late Middle Ages. His works provide insight into the politics, diplomacy, and wars of his time, and he is often regarded as one of the first modern political analysts and historians.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Mémoires

    "Mémoires" is a seminal work of French literature, providing a detailed account of late medieval European politics from the perspective of a diplomat and historian who served various masters, including the Dukes of Burgundy and the French king Louis XI. The author offers a rich narrative of the power struggles, diplomatic maneuvers, and courtly intrigues of his time, while also reflecting on the nature of governance, the ethics of leadership, and the unpredictability of fortune. His observations and analyses have made the work an invaluable resource for understanding the political and social dynamics of 15th-century Europe, as well as a pioneering example of political memoir.

    The 7152nd Greatest Book of All Time